Commercial tricycle riders, widely known as Pragya operators, brought parts of Kumasi to a standstill on Thursday, November 20, 2025, as they launched a major protest against what they believe has become relentless harassment, extortion, and stifling restrictions from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA).
In large numbers, the riders left their tricycles parked and moved onto the streets, urging their colleagues to stop work and join the demonstration. Their march cut through major routes in the Ashanti Regional capital, with riders waving placards and calling for government action. The protest, labelled “Enough is Enough,” marked one of their most forceful pushbacks yet against policies they say are destroying their source of income.
Their frustrations date back to the KMA directive issued about two years ago, which barred Pragya operations from major sections of the Central Business District. City authorities justified the move as an attempt to ease congestion and improve order. Although the riders eventually complied after earlier protests and discussions, they now argue that the traffic situation in the CBD remains unchanged, raising questions about why they continue to be singled out.
The riders also accused some KMA city guards and police officers of subjecting them to routine intimidation. Many operators reported demands for money, as well as instances where their tricycles were seized without legitimate cause. The leadership of the National Union of Tricycle Operators in the region claimed that multiple attempts to resolve the issue with authorities had gone unanswered.
At the end of the march, the riders presented a formal petition to both the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the Ashanti Regional Minister. Their demands centered on ending the restrictions, stopping alleged extortion, and ensuring fair treatment. They warned that if the concerns were not addressed within two weeks, they would return to the streets with even stronger demonstrations.
